positive beginnings

souls wrote: »

Just wondering if anybody has any information they might think helpful regarding current medication for alcoholism.. I understand that from the small bits of info I've picked up that it should be taken in conjunction with counseling and or 12 step program,etc. But I'm just interested to hear any first hand experience before i talk to my gp.

I was at an alcohol counselor today,she didn't tell me much that I didn't already know but mentioned about the 12 step program and also that AA would be a good option.

lufties wrote: »

Had my first night in years out tonight alcohol free and it was speed dating. Normally I'd need a few in me to pluck up some dutch courage but no it was virgin mojito instead

Did you meet anyone you want to see again? :cool:

lufties wrote: »

A few, but whether its mutual is another story

Best of luck! Either way, going on a sober-speed dating blitz is a pretty awesome (and ballsy) way to kick off your new journey. You're only going to get better

So I've noticed the last few nights I've been sleeping nearly 12 hours :eek:

Perhaps its that I've been catching up on periods of poor quality sleep. Maybe I'm just oversleeping.

Its weird, I actually don't feel like having drink. I've just started a masters so that giving me some focus.

souls wrote: »

i seem to be managing 2 and 3 week stints of total abstinence and then just breaking, the relapses then last for like a week straight until i feel near suicidal. i dont know how long i can keep doing this,doctors appointment booked for wednesday.

Why not try a meeting? AA really is the place for people who are consistently baffled as to why, despite every effort and reason not to, find themselves drinking again....and again....and yet again. What have you got to lose?

souls wrote: »

Hi AmazingFun, i know you're a great advocate of AA and i can see how much it has helped you on your journey to a sober life. I have gone a few times but i just dont feel any benefit from it.. i 'shared' each time i was there.. i mean i haven't had any traumas or horrific childhood etc.. i just progressively drank more as i got older, and built up an addiction.

I know there is no pill thats gonna cure it but I haven't talked to a medical professional about it, il be killing to birds with one stone so to speak as il also be discussing depression with him. the two are often intertwined. Anyway I'm kind of one of these "unless my head is on fire" i dont go to the doctor, so this is a big deal to me.

wish me luck!

Omg that line I bolded made me laugh for real :pac:

Why?

Because that kind of "sharing" has f*ck a to do with alcoholism and when I hear it in meetings I usually tune it out.

Why do I say that?

Because if "traumas and horrific childhoods" caused alcoholism then all who experienced those things would be alkies and all alkies would have said histories. Although some do (or imagine they do) most of us do not and I can point you to many eloquent speakers on this very subject if you're interested. The vast majority of us just loved drinking pretty much more than anything else in life

The worst delusion I hear from some in meetings (and elsewhere) is this insidious idea that there just MUST be various deep n dark "reasons" for our drinking. My opinion (and long experience) is that this is (for the most part) absolute sh*te. And this would be far more amusing were it not the reason for some never getting sober at all, and others ending up dead/killing someone else/killing themselves or ending up with any other variety of a truly crap filled life (as is the sad destiny of all active alkies and those close to them).

So- here are the two simple questions anyone with a serious drinking problem really need consider:

1. When drinking, can you control the amount you take?
Or do you start to drink and then *something* happens and "the drink takes you"?

2. If, when off the drink for any period of time, (and wanting to stay that way), are you able to stay stopped or does your mind conjure up some "reason/excuse" (I like the term "narrative") that always ends up with you back drinking. And this despite you having swore to never drink again and knowing all the reasons why you shouldn't.

That's it.
These two simple criteria are what constitutes an alcoholic according to AA's own text and definition. No horrible childhood traumas required

Ps: I don't expect nor even want you to answer here. It's just two things to consider as you continue on your journey, a journey I wish you the very best of luck with btw no matter what road you take.
Take care .

I can't recommend that jason vale book 'kick the drink easily' enough. Really makes a lot of sense.

souls wrote: »

i thought this was a support forum? i wont be laughed at for stating an opinion! i dont have time for petty thugs.

You said this:

I have gone a few times but i just dont feel any benefit from it.. i 'shared' each time i was there.. i mean i haven't had any traumas or horrific childhood etc..

I didn't laugh at you. I laughed at the notion anyone would think they needed a background of abuse to fit in AA. And that is nothing to do with you....it just appears that was that impression you got from the meetings you attended when nothing could be further from the truth.
Maybe read it again.

souls wrote: »

ok apologies, amazingfun. I took you up wrong. i shouldnt have lost it like that.

Hugs Souls....not to worry. We're all here for ya anytime ya need us